Ford Transit Connect (2016 Auto) Toad

[michaelrider5]

Has anyone used their Ford Transit Connect as a "toad" behind a motor home? I have both a 2016 Connect and a Class A motor home and would like to tow the Transit with all four wheels on the road. It is a perfect size and weight, but the owners manual say "Don't do it". Anyone know why? If it's a transmission issue I was thinking of hooking a fluid recirculation pump into the trans cooler circuit to keep it lubed while towing. Any suggestions?

 

[Ex-Calif]

If you design your own trans lube system you are becoming a Ford engineer and good luck.

Here is an old thread from a Ford forum where one guy claims to leave the engine running and all is good. Caveat Tow Bar...

https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/can-you-flat-tow-a-transit-van.21009/

I'd find a different toad.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Automatic transmissions are vulnerable to heat and without fluid circulation they tend to get excessively hot under tow. An auxiliary pump might be sufficient, but remember the radiator isn't doing much cooling either when under tow. No engine water pump running and very little natural airflow through the radiator when in the wind-shadow of the coach.

Is your Transit one of the front drive models? Remco Pumps used to make tranny cooling pumps for front wheel drive vehicles, but they dropped out of that business.

A tow dolly is the alternative for a front drive vehicle.